diff --git a/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/ApplicationContext.java b/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/ApplicationContext.java
index c75b5203d4..3ab6f494af 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/ApplicationContext.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/ApplicationContext.java
@@ -199,6 +199,9 @@ public class ApplicationContext extends MultiDexApplication implements DefaultLi
   }
 
   public ExpiringMessageManager getExpiringMessageManager() {
+    if (expiringMessageManager == null) {
+      initializeExpiringMessageManager();
+    }
     return expiringMessageManager;
   }